Skye Terrier Background Information
The Skye Terrier is a fairly unknown breed that is often over looked in the dog world, most likely because
of their rarity with only 40 known dogs in the United Kingdom in 2005. Owning a rare breed is a great experience for quite a few reasons. First, you are supporting a breed that could become extinct which helps keep the breed in existence. Second, breeds that are rare go through a lesser amount of over breeding resulting in a healthier breed. Finally, a rare breed is always an adventure that should be taken on with pleasure and excitement because of the element of the unknown.
Skye Terrier Coat & Grooming
Their coat consists of the moderately common double coat that allows the breed to contain warmth and fight off moisture. With a breed that possesses a silky smooth double coat it is required to pay attention to the grooming department. Combing is required at least once a week to avoid knots and tangling that causes discomfort and pain for the breed. Most owners of the breed prefer to keep the coat style organic leaving the breed the way he/she was intended to look.
Skye Terrier Colors & Appearance
They are well contained, sturdy, low to the ground, with long smooth hair. Their hair most commonly covers their eyes, face and mouth. Their ears come in cropped and uncropped varieties. They are found in a variety of colors that consist of mixes. Their coloring can contain a mixture of any amount of colors, offering a unique colorway no matter who owns one. The only color requirement is black on the ears and nose. You can view the colors and schematics of the breed in this Skye Terrier dog figurine or their facial structure in these Skye Terrier dog pins.
Skye Terrier History
The United Kennel Club approved the Skye terrier as a breed on January 1, 1993. The breed’s name came about when a shipwreck took place at the island of Skye. It is believed that the ship contained Maltese dogs that were later bred with terriers locally which in turn created the Skye terrier. Later this was proven to be false as documents proved the Skye breed existed well before the shipwreck at the island of Skye.
Skye Terrier Health & Life Span
Because of the breeds short build they are prone to some health issues, mainly involving the distal radial growth plate. Their growth plate closes prematurely causing stress on their bone structure. You will notice an awkward and painful limp coming from the Skye if this is an issue. Exercise for the first 8 months should be carefully evaluated to ensure over exercise is avoided. Over exercise increases the chances of premature closure of the distal growth plate. Cancer and hypothyroidism are also concerns. Even with these issues, the list is rather small when you consider the extensive list most common breeds encompass. Their life span ranges from 12-16 years ensuring a long and enjoyable life.
Skye Terrier Gifts
Despite the breeds unique look and rare existence Dog Lover Store carries a wide variety of gifts for Skye Terriers. You can find a collection of items here: Skye Terrier Dog Breed Gifts, Ornaments, Decor, & More at The Dog Lover Store.